The health benefits of rose hips include their ability to reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, relieve various respiratory conditions, prevent cancer, lower cholesterol, manage diabetes, increase urination, regulate your digestive system, boost the immune system, increase circulation, and help build stronger bones.

Rose hips are actually the fruit of the rose plant and usually form in late summer and fall after the rose plant has been pollinated. Once the rosebud falls off, many people forget about roses, but the fruit of the plant is yet to come! The color is typically red, but can also be orange, purple, or black. They are one of the most nutritious fruits of any plant, which is why they have become such a desirable and sought after product in markets around the world. Historically, rose hips have been used for hundreds if not thousands of years by cultures such as the early populations of the Americas, as well as various parts of Europe.

They were cultivated for a variety of reasons, even for decoration due to their shape and color, but it wasn't until the last few decades that the full medicinal value was actually discovered. They were even used as pet food for certain types of animals, as it was found that animals were particularly attracted to the scent and taste of these small fruit pods. As humans began to consume the components of rose hips, much attention shifted to the potential it had for our health.

The variety of ways in which rose hips can be used is impressive. Some of the most common forms of rose hips are jams, jellies, soups, tisanes, breads, wines, pies, and even jams. It is an extremely versatile ingredient that is enjoyed by people all over the world, either for its delicious taste or for its nutritional benefits!

Nutritional Value Of Rose Hips

The reason rose hips are so popular is because they are extremely effective in treating a wide variety of health conditions. How does it work? The vitamins, minerals, organic compounds, and other essential nutrients in rose hips give them a very powerful punch! Some of these beneficial components include vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, and B complex, as well as minerals such as calcium, iron, selenium, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, silicon, and zinc. In addition, the organic compounds such as lycopene, pectin, lutein, beta-carotene are also very powerful and essential for the body. The antioxidant components, which include flavonoids, phytochemicals, and carotenoids, also contribute to the health benefits, which are explained below.

Health Benefits Of Rose Hips

Prevents cancer and chronic diseases: The carotenoids, flavonoids, and polyphenols found in rose hips are very powerful antioxidants that eliminate or neutralize free radicals in the body.

 They are the byproducts of cellular metabolism and can damage healthy cells by causing them to mutate into cancerous cells or simply kill them. Free radicals, or a lack of antioxidants, have been linked to a number of serious conditions, including cancer, heart disease and premature aging. The wealth of antioxidants in rose hips are particularly adept at keeping the body healthy from all angles.

Lowers Cholesterol: Some of the organic compounds and antioxidant components in rose hips also reduce the cholesterol content in your body, thereby reducing the strain on your cardiovascular system and also seriously reducing your chances of suffering a stroke or heart attack.

Immune system: Rose hips have an impressive amount of vitamin C, which is one of the best ways to boost the immune system. Vitamin C stimulates white blood cells and is also essential in the prevention of asthma and general respiratory health. This can be seen in the reduction of respiratory conditions such as colds and flu through the intake of rose hips and its high levels of vitamin C.

Diabetes management: Rose hips have been shown to strictly regulate the blood sugar levels of the body, which is very important for people suffering from diabetes. By maintaining the balance of insulin and glucose in the body, rose hips can prevent the sudden drops or spikes in blood sugar that can be so deadly.

Diuretic Effects and Digestion: The various acids in rose hips, as well as pectin, are known to stimulate urination and excretion.As a diuretic, rose hips can help eliminate toxins from the body, as well as excess salts, fluids, and even fat. By stimulating bowel movement, rose hips can help a person avoid a number of unfortunate health conditions and discomforts. In general, rose hips are detoxifiers through and through!

Skin Care: People all over the world want their skin to look more beautiful, flawless, and youthful. There are hundreds of products and potential treatments for tightening and firming the skin, but rose hips are one of the best options. The astringent quality of rose hips keeps skin elastic so it doesn't wrinkle, blemishes are easily removed, burns and scars heal quickly, and your skin looks younger and more vibrant.

Circulation: Rose hips have a significant amount of iron, which is an essential component in the formation of red blood cells. Therefore, having an adequate amount of rose hips in your diet can prevent anemia and also keep your essential organs well oxygenated, increasing metabolic activity and optimizing the functionality of various organ systems.

Bone Health: One of the most important roles of vitamin C, although one that is often overlooked, is its essential role in the production of collagen. Collagen, along with the other important minerals found in rose hips, can help prevent osteoporosis by maintaining bone mineral density well into old age, keeping you strong, flexible, and able to live an active life!

A word of caution: There are no known problems with taking rose hips whenever you want, although there are anecdotal reports of nausea, vomiting, headaches, heartburn, and an inability to sleep. Much of this may be due to mild food allergies. As always, listen to your body and act accordingly!

Source: www.organicfacts.net